Democrat Beto O'Rourke leaps into 2020 White House race

Former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke joined the 2020 presidential race on Thursday.

Zachary Goelman reports

Advertisement

Democrat Beto O'Rourke leaps into 2020 White House race

EDITOR'S NOTE: THIS VERSION REPLACES AN EARLIER VIDEO THAT CONTAINED AN OBSCENITY.

THIS VERSION OBSCURES THAT LANGUAGE WITH A SOUND EFFECT.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY CANDIDATE BETO O'ROURKE, SAYING: "Amy and I are happy to share with you that I'm running to serve you as the next president of the United States of America." Beto O'Rourke is running for president.

The 47-year-old former Texas Congressman failed in his bid for the Senate last November.

But he stunned the national Democratic party with his ability to draw hoards of young voters and raise a massive war chest without the support of big-dollar political action committees.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY CANDIDATE BETO O'ROURKE, SAYING: "This is going to be a positive campaign, that seeks to bring out the very best from every single one of us.

That seeks to unite a very divided county." O'Rourke's age, 47, sets him apart among the big-name potential and declared Democratic candidates.

Youthful Democrats may want someone who more relates to them, and perhaps isn't afraid to speak like them.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER U.S. REPRESENTATIVE BETO O'ROURKE SAYING: "All of you, showing the country how you do this so (expletive) proud of you guys." But the Democrats may not just want someone young: There's a push from many in the party to elect a woman, and a member of a minority.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY CANDIDATE BETO O'ROURKE, SAYING: "Let's show ourselves, and those who will succeed us in this great country just who we are, and what we can do.

Thank you.

O'Rourke will need to persuade Democrats not just of his ideas, but that he can carry the party to victory over Donald Trump.